Jeep Small SUV under development

FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobilies) is working on a new small SUV for the global market. As per Jeep CEO Mike Manley, the market for small SUVs is growing in Europe and he also sees this new product become successful across various markets. This also includes India, as SUVs are gaining a lot of prominence in this market.

The Jeep small SUV will most likely use the Fiat Panda platform, which also churns out a 4×4 variant.

The Fiat Panda platform is relatively less expensive than the Fiat 500X platform that currently underpins the Jeep Renegade.

“A smaller car than the Renegade is very interesting to us and we are actively looking at the project now. We’ve seen the general move in Europe towards smaller SUVs, and there could also be a market in Latin America,”  said Jeep CEO Mike Manley to Autocar.

Jeep Small SUV Launch Date

Not much is not as of now, about this as of now, however, the new SUV may make it to the market sometime by 2020. Its too early to predict anything. Jeep would be looking at simultaneously getting this SUV to India as well. The company may try to slot it in a price bracket around the Maruti Vitara Brezza.

Also Read Jeep Renegade coming to India

Jeep Small SUV Price in India

When launched the Jeep small SUV is likely to be priced between RS. 8 lakhs and Rs. 11 lakhs. This will compete with the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford Ecosport. Jeep will position it as a lifestyle compact SUV.

Jeep Small SUV Specifications

The New Jeep SUV would be a sub-4 meter vehicle. It will offer decent space. There will also be a 4X4 version. However this may not be introduced in India. The engine which would be used could be the Fiat 1.3-litre Multijet Diesel and the 1.0-litre TwinAir turbo-petrol. The new SUV will have contemporary interiors and also will be fairly feature loaded. The exteriors are expected to be on the lines of the Jeep Renegade. This SUV will be compact in dimensions and this will be its USP.

Jeep in India has been doing well currently. The Compass has been selling good volumes and the company is also getting ready to launch the Jeep Compass TrailHawk variant, which will be  a 4X4 with a diesel 9-speed automatic DCT transmission. Jeep is also contemplating the Launch of the Renegade. However, right now the company is running full capacity with the Jeep Compass.

The Renegade is expected to be launched sometime in 2019. The Jeep Renegade will be competing with the Hyundai Creta mainly.